Share this:

The 49ers acquired Dolphins WR/KR Ted Ginn Jr., the No. 9 overall pick just three years ago, for a fifth-round pick, according to multiple national media reports starting with Fox’s Jay Glazer.

A league source confirmed the deal is going down, but said it is pending (as all trades do) until Ginn passes a physical.

That about solves the Niners’ glaring problem in the return game. Ginn wasn’t anything special as a receiver with five touchdowns in three seasons. His value comes as a kick returner, with two touchdowns in a single game last season and a 24.9-yard average — more than 3 yards above the 49ers’ average last year.

The Niners, of course, hopes he can do both in the end. He caught 56 passes for 790 yards in 2008. That would have led all 49ers receivers last season.

So, how does this impact next week’s draft?

It eliminates the need to pursue a return specialist disguised as a backup running back or situational receiver.

It also eliminates the need to find a speed receiver who can stretch the field and lift the lid of the defense, clearing up space underneath for Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis.

In other words, no need to draft Dez Bryant, after all.

This also shows psuedo-GM Trent Baalke really is the man in charge. In his first deal since taking over for ousted Scot McCloughan, Baalke turned to former boss Bill Parcells, who wanted to dump Ginn the moment the traded for Broncos star Brandon Marshall.

A fifth-round pick is a low risk with potential for a high reward. Ginn is just 25 years old and, if nothing else, can return kicks as well as, if not better than, any college kid who will be on the board in the fifth round Saturday.

Oh, and by the way, my name is David White. I used to be the Raider guy. I’ll be covering the 49ers for the paper and occasionally pitch in to Kevin Lynch’s blog.